Registrar Spotlight
Suzanne Johnson
Suzanne Johnson: Bullock County
Personal History: I grew up in an Air Force household and moved every three years until the age of 17 when I started college in Glenwood Springs Colorado. I have lived in 8 states and twice overseas in the Philippines. My father retired from the Air Force after 23 years then joined civil service performing the same EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) duties. I enjoyed college for 5 years (started in Colorado, then Maryland, graduated in Florida) and decided to become a Dietician in my final year. Got my first real job in Alabama as a Dietician for a nursing home. From there I worked my way to corporate consultant, then as a Nutritionist with the State of Alabama Health Department eventually becoming the WIC coordinator for Montgomery County. During this ALDPH employment I went back to school and earned my master’s degree from Troy State. While working at a catfish farm on weekends I decided I wanted to run my own business and created a cleaning company for new construction, eventually adding office and residential cleaning. In 2007 I decided to buy property in Bullock County and build my own house - that is how I met Ginger Austin who introduced me to the world of Registrars. I continue to supplement my income with the cleaning business though it is dramatically reduced from my humble beginnings- I do not have the physical stamina I had 25 years ago.
When were you first appointed and what do you like most about being a Registrar? I was appointed February 7, 2013 by Samantha Shaw State Auditor. I have worked under Jim Bennett, John Merrill, and Wes Allen. I enjoy the freedom from daily supervision (25 years of self-employment habit) and the diversity of tasks to perform. This office has seen a positive move towards the 21st Century with the institution of computers, progression to paperless, and upgrades in technology i.e. scanners, WIFI, and large monitors. I’ve learned new skills with Microsoft, GIS, Power Profile 15, label printers, hand held barcode wands, and electronic poll books. Our office is unique in respect to election time since we run, maintain, and download the electronic poll books for the Probate office. I also have a greater appreciation and understanding of the election system and its vast components.
What are your hobbies or interests? Anything outdoors. Water activities are my favorite- boating, fishing, scalloping, scuba diving. I’ve also taken up “dirt road riding” since I moved to Bullock County 17 years ago. I’m a rescuer of unwanted or neglected pets. At present, I am down to one kitten but am actively seeking a sibling of the canine persuasion. The dog/cat combo is truly entertaining, and I have 14 acres for them to explore and have a peaceful life.
What are you most proud of in your life? That my mom made me go to church when I was young despite my protests otherwise. Dad did not attend with us and it was a weekly argument with me asking why he didn’t have to go. Now he not only attends church but is active weekly with their soup kitchen, bible studies, and visits to members who are infirm. Just like good nutrition, what healthy habits we instill in our children may get ignored in their young adulthood but inevitably we return to those good practices. The reward is good health. That foundation of Christ as a child came back as a much-appreciated habit I thank God for every day. The reward is eternal.
Personal History: I grew up in an Air Force household and moved every three years until the age of 17 when I started college in Glenwood Springs Colorado. I have lived in 8 states and twice overseas in the Philippines. My father retired from the Air Force after 23 years then joined civil service performing the same EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) duties. I enjoyed college for 5 years (started in Colorado, then Maryland, graduated in Florida) and decided to become a Dietician in my final year. Got my first real job in Alabama as a Dietician for a nursing home. From there I worked my way to corporate consultant, then as a Nutritionist with the State of Alabama Health Department eventually becoming the WIC coordinator for Montgomery County. During this ALDPH employment I went back to school and earned my master’s degree from Troy State. While working at a catfish farm on weekends I decided I wanted to run my own business and created a cleaning company for new construction, eventually adding office and residential cleaning. In 2007 I decided to buy property in Bullock County and build my own house - that is how I met Ginger Austin who introduced me to the world of Registrars. I continue to supplement my income with the cleaning business though it is dramatically reduced from my humble beginnings- I do not have the physical stamina I had 25 years ago.
When were you first appointed and what do you like most about being a Registrar? I was appointed February 7, 2013 by Samantha Shaw State Auditor. I have worked under Jim Bennett, John Merrill, and Wes Allen. I enjoy the freedom from daily supervision (25 years of self-employment habit) and the diversity of tasks to perform. This office has seen a positive move towards the 21st Century with the institution of computers, progression to paperless, and upgrades in technology i.e. scanners, WIFI, and large monitors. I’ve learned new skills with Microsoft, GIS, Power Profile 15, label printers, hand held barcode wands, and electronic poll books. Our office is unique in respect to election time since we run, maintain, and download the electronic poll books for the Probate office. I also have a greater appreciation and understanding of the election system and its vast components.
What are your hobbies or interests? Anything outdoors. Water activities are my favorite- boating, fishing, scalloping, scuba diving. I’ve also taken up “dirt road riding” since I moved to Bullock County 17 years ago. I’m a rescuer of unwanted or neglected pets. At present, I am down to one kitten but am actively seeking a sibling of the canine persuasion. The dog/cat combo is truly entertaining, and I have 14 acres for them to explore and have a peaceful life.
What are you most proud of in your life? That my mom made me go to church when I was young despite my protests otherwise. Dad did not attend with us and it was a weekly argument with me asking why he didn’t have to go. Now he not only attends church but is active weekly with their soup kitchen, bible studies, and visits to members who are infirm. Just like good nutrition, what healthy habits we instill in our children may get ignored in their young adulthood but inevitably we return to those good practices. The reward is good health. That foundation of Christ as a child came back as a much-appreciated habit I thank God for every day. The reward is eternal.